Tucker Carlson in an interview on Fox & Friends discussing efforts to prevent bullying among youth through age appropriate discussion about sexual orientation and gender identity is calling books, and films about gay families a "controversial subject" and an effort to "push political propaganda." He goes on to say that there is no evidence of violence based on sexual orientation in those early grades.

We know all too well after the murder of twelve year old Lawrence King and others that hatred starts at a young age and anti-gay rhetoric is heavily prevalent among our nations youth.

Taking one day out of a year, or one segment of a lesson to teach about respect, and diversity is not "wasting time" for our kids. Would Tucker also say the same about other identities that are or were deemed "controversial" at some point?

Reading about gay penguins, Heather having two mommies, or watching It's Elementary is far from controversial, it is those who are against this that are , in the words of Mr. Carlson pushing "value judgments and political propaganda."

How ironic that Fox News brings on someone who himself is the perpetrator of anti-gay violence in the past to discuss anti-bullying methods.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

On October 10-11, 2009, the LGBT community and allies will gather in Washington, D.C. from all across America to let our elected leaders know that now is the time for full equal rights for LGBT people.

The demand is simple, full equal protection under the law:

* Repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) so that every marriage in every state has the same federal rights.

* Repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell so that LGBT persons may serve in the military openly and with the same rights as their straight counterparts.

* An end to workplace discrimination for everyone with an Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) that protects everyone.

* The right to adopt children and raise families like any other parents.

* Hate Crimes legislation that includes LGBT people and protects us like any other targeted group.

On September 1st Vermont will officially begin to register same-sex marriages, after a former veto by the governor was overturned by the legislature. On such a joyous day Fred Phelps and his gang at the Westboro Baptist Church will be picketing with their anti-gay hateful rhetoric.

Join the participants at Phelps-A-Thon who will counter protest and celebrate this victory, while also raising money for every minute that the Westboro Baptist Church preaches their hate.

The Trans Depathologization Network is working for the removal of the Gender Identity Disorder category from the international diagnosis manuals (the DSM and the ICD).

The five demands of the STP-2012 campaign are as follows:

1. The retirement of GID from the international diagnosis manuals (their next versions DSM-V and ICD-11) 2. The retirement of sex mention in the official documents 3. The abolition of the binary normalization treatments to intersex people 4. Free access to hormonal treatments and surgery (without the psychiatric monitoring) 5. The fight against transphobia: working for education, social and labour insertion for trans people

Protests will take place all over the world the 17th of October 2009. If you want to support this campaign send an email to stp2012@gmail.com.

The queer community has been known to showcase a variety of characteristics; among those being butch, femme, or neither. Are there masculine or feminine aspects to your personality, identity, physical appearance, or the dynamics of your relationships?

How do the labels butch and femme define you, or do they? What significance do identity politics play on you as a member of the queer community?

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Members of Congress are writing a comprehensive immigration reform bill right now that will fix our country's broken immigration system. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced that he will complete the bill by Labor Day, and it is critically important that he, and other lawmakers, hear from us about the need to include LGBT families in the legislation.

Every day, more than 36,000 lesbian and gay families are impacted by discriminatory immigration policies. Families, like those recently featured in The Advocate, are forced to leave the United States or be split apart - because U.S. immigration law does not allow lesbian and gay Americans to sponsor their partners and children for residency. For each of those families, the clock is ticking.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is asking for public opinion on the Harvey Milk Day bill (SB 572) which would honor the slain gay rights hero. Last year the governor under conservative pressure vetoed the bill and is facing similar pressure and scrutiny from the religious right.

Please call the Governors office and follow the automated message to show support 916-445-2841

The governor has also requested people contact him with their opinions via twitter.

8/26/09: The Executive Vice President has issued an apology to Ericka Aviance and the LGBT community

“Much of the success of The Wendy Williams Show is due to our incredibly diverse and colorful audience and we all agree that fashion is a true form of self expression. But in an attempt to explain and enforce our show’s dress code, I was not as sensitive as I could have been to Ericka, the LGBT community or drag’s long history of being a target of discrimination. And for that, I sincerely apologize as it was never my intention to offend in any way.” ~ Lonnie Burstein, Executive Vice President, Programming & Production, Debmar-Mercury (GLAAD).

8/14/09: The Wendy Williams Show is a syndicated talk show by the "shock jockette" herself who talks about a range of topics. Wendy Williams has been considered a friend to the gay community, often appearing to be a drag queen herself, and using many gay terms on the show. That's why it came as a surprise to drag singer Ericka Toure Aviance who was blocked from appearing on the show due to her outfit.

While standing in line outside the studio Wednesday morning, the group was approached by a female intern who noted the fact that Aviance was a drag queen. “She took my name down, so we thought we were about to get VIP treatment,” Aviance recalls. “After another hour we got to the door, and there’s this little white man standing there giving us the eyeball. He gets in our way to prevent us from going in, and he says, ‘You’re in violation of our no-costumes dress code. We usually don’t do this, but we know you’ve been waiting out there for a while, so we’re going to let you in. But you can’t appear on camera, and if you get up for Hot Topics or try to ask Wendy a question, you’ll be removed from the building" (Advocate).

What is really hypocritical is the fact that the Wendy Williams website does state this about their dress code policy:

Is there a dress code?YES! All audience members may appear on camera. Think trendy…think stylish…think chic! Above all else, think WENDY! Bright colors look best on TV and we ask that you refrain from wearing white. Floral prints and other crazy patterns don’t look good on camera, and we know you want to look your best! Absolutely no hats, sunglasses, costumes, shirts with logos/writing, shorts, or casual tank tops will be permitted.(Wendy Show).

So it appears that Aviance was mistreated for being a drag queen and not based on her attire because her outfit certainly is not a costume.

The Wendy Williams show does not have an official contact form, I urge you to leave a message on her blog, use the Ask Wendy on her site, or contact her via twitter to request an apology.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Thousands of people have signed a petition to Downing Street demanding an apology be on the record regarding computer scientist Alan Turing who was defamed by the British Government.

Alan Turing was the greatest computer scientist ever born in Britain. He laid the foundations of computing, helped break the Nazi Enigma code and told us how to tell whether a machine could think.

He was also gay. He was prosecuted for being gay, chemically castrated as a 'cure', and took his own life, at the age of 41.

The British Government should apologize to Alan Turing for his treatment and recognize that his work created much of the world we live in and saved us from Nazi Germany. And an apology would recognize the tragic consequences of prejudice that ended this man's life and career.

Gold medalist runner Caster Semenya of South Africa has come under intense scrutiny after exceeding her own time record and winning a gold medal . She has been accused of falsifying her identity and being charged with being born a male. The spotlight on her is misogynist and completely disregards the multitude of gender expressions. Semenya is being forced to undergo a long and difficult process known as sex-determination. She has been very depressed and even wanted to boycott her own award ceremony.

Velvet Park posted this video below of Dave Zirin, sports writer for The Nation who does an excellent job explaining how sexist, and transphobic this news item has become and tries to break down gender binarism by explaining that there are multitude of sexes and gender identities.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Dr. Phil has been on a crusade to pathologize gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people with shows about "gender confused children" "experimental bisexuality" and by giving a platform to so called experts on "ex-gay therapy" from Focus on the Family. His shows have been so controversial that he has even come under pressure and forced to cancel previous shows on bisexuality and trans children. What's concerning is that Dr. Phil has access to millions of Americans who follow his advice and subcribe to his point of view, rendering it particularly dangerous since his views on GLBT issues are wrong and immoral.

Here at Queers United we have been dedicated to monitoring Dr. Phil's programming and ensure that we hold him accountable for his actions. His upcoming shows continue to raise a red flag merely by their title and description alone and considering his past actions we do not expect any change.

Are you a woman struggling with sexual identity? Maybe it's causing problems with an addiction? Or maybe you feel you might be in denial about your sexuality?

Did you think you knew who you were but then something or someone opened your eyes to a new you?

It would be wrong to pre-judge or presume what the show will be about beforehand, but again there is serious concern given the track record of the show. Is Dr. Phil asserting that a GLBT identity may be related to addiction, or is he referring to sex addiction regardless of orientation? The shows title raises a red flag because proponents of "ex-gay therapy" often use the terms "struggling" and "sexual identity" to refer to GLBT people.

We urge other bloggers, and webmasters to join our Dr. Phil boycott and alert their readers to the homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic coverage that has been occurring for several months now.

Mainers don't have to wait for the November 3rd referendum election to cast their vote for marriage equality. People can vote as soon as September against referendum 1 which if passed will eliminate same-sex marriage.

The GLBT Community Center of Colorado is providing a unique way to donate to keep up center operations, and enhance the way of life for the GLBT community in Denver. Those interested in supporting the centers efforts can donate $5 through text messages by texting PRIDE to 40579.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Maine Freedom to Marry has been at the forefront of the efforts to bring marriage equality to the state by raising awareness about same-sex marriage. Now the organization is fighting to defeat amendment 1 which would eliminate the rights of same-sex couples to marry, which will be on the ballot this November.

Friday, August 21, 2009

David Letterman in an interview with Donald Trump has come out in favor of marriage equality. This is a clear turn from his earlier transphobic commentary on the "pregnant man" and his mockery of the movie MILK. During the interview the subject of Carrie Prejean comes up and Trump says he doesn't think that a "man marrying a woman is a controversial subject" in which Letterman replies saying "let’s just go right on the record and say that anybody who wants to get married ought to be able to get married"

Thank the Late Show with David Letterman for his support for marriage equality:

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Lutherans Concerned works for the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Lutherans in all aspects of the life of their Church and congregations. They provide a place of comfort and safety. They reach out and teach that Christ's message, the Gospel, is for everyone equally. They call for the blessing of committed and covenanted same-gender relationships, and for the ordination of those called to minister.

Here is a great new ad showing gay and straight families speaking up for equality that was created by Equality Maine, Main Civil Liberties Union, and the Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders urging Mainer's to keep marriage equality when they goto vote this November.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

The Metropolitan Nashville Council is scheduled to vote tonight on the second reading of a nondiscrimination ordinance (BL2009-502) that would prohibit the Nashville Metro government from discriminating in its employment practices on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity after having been deferred earlier this month. If the ordinance passes tonight, it will face a final vote before becoming law on Sept 1st.

The Tyra Banks show is seeking asexual couples to appear on an upcoming show on unconventional relationships. The show is set to tape on August 25th in New York and travel and accommodations will be taken care of for any interested participants.

This is a great opportunity for a large audience to learn about asexuality, and romantic asexuals in particular. Please click here for more details and to find out contact info for the show.

Monday, August 17, 2009

220 of our followers on twitter have signed our petition to let Dr. Phil know that we demand he stop his homophobic and transphobic programming. We are not only seeking he stop his inflammatory segments on queer issues, we are also demanding positive and accurate coverage about our community.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Washington D.C. took a historic step this summer in recognizing out of state same-sex marriages. Activists are now looking to make the next move towards a real possibility of legal marriage recognition of unions performed within the districts borders.

Pledge your support for LGBT equal marriage and assist in making that effort become a reality.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

The Lesbian and Gay Veterinary Medical Association (LGVMA) is a professional organization whose mission is to provide support for individuals, education for the community, and a forum for information exchange and social interaction.

Spencer Jones and Tyler Barrick were married at San Francisco City Hall on June 17, 2008 and will be living in California which recognizes their marriage which was performed before the passage of proposition 8 which eliminated gay marriage. They are holding a ceremony in their hometown of St. George, Utah for their friends and family and wanted to make that announcement as many couples do in their local newspaper, The Spectrum.

The newspaper first agreed to post their ad under celebrations if it did not show the couples picture. The couple refused and were then told by publisher Donnie Welch that they would run no ad at all because Utah law does not permit same-sex marriage.

GLAAD encourages you – particularly those who live in Utah – to reach out to The Spectrum’s Donnie Welch, and urge him to publish Spencer and Tyler’s announcement and all future gay and lesbian couples.

Today's topic coincides with the great nationwide kiss-in where same-sex couples, friends, and allies will gather in dozens of cities around the country to demonstrate that gay PDA is okay. PDA regardless of whether it is straight or gay always brings up different emotions in people, with some who love to embrace their partner(s) and others who don't feel that kind of behavior is appropriate.

Are you going to the nationwide kiss-in? How do you feel about public display of affection? How does your sexuality or gender identity impact your decision, ability, and comfort when it comes to PDA?

The great nationwide kiss-in will be occuring at dozens of cities across the United States and Canada this Saturday, August 15th at 2:00 pm EDT (11:00 am PDT) to show support for gay public display of affection. The event is taking place after recent arrests and discrimination imposed on same-sex couples for showing their love.

PITTSBURGH, PA, at 1000 Penn Avenue, on the public space right in front of the Westin portico/driveway on 10th, between Liberty Ave and Penn Ave - organized by Jeremy Hooper of the blog, Good As You, and endorsed by the Netroots Nation Event - contact@goodasyou.org

If you wish to plan a last-minute Kiss-In event for your city or town, you must contact organizers before Thursday, August 13, at 2 p.m., Eastern Time (or 48 hours before the official event). You must be prepared to commit immediately, and provide information for confirmation of your event. Thank you.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

StartOut is an organization dedicated to fostering and developing entrepreneurship within the LGBT community. It is established to connect those in the LGBT community who want to form entrepreneurial ventures, provide support for existing entrepreneurs, and connect entrepreneurs with funding, education, networks, and other external resources.

www.IBelieveSpeech.com is a beautiful new viral video produced as a message to President Barack Obama, other political leaders and the American people to embrace the dream of Martin Luther King Jr. that it is time to be brave and to believe in change and equality and justice for all.

After months of grueling debate on both sides of the gay rights battle, the Anchorage Alaska Assembly announced that the ordinance #64 to ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation passed by a vote of 7 to 4.

The vote is one short of a super-majority that could override a possible mayoral veto. The mayor has one week to weigh in and decide whether to veto the ordinance.

Mayor Dan Sullivan has yet to comment on the decision, please urge him to sign the ordinance into law.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Manchester hotels has reportedly suffered a loss of atleast 7 million dollars thanks to an LGBT boycott after the owner Doug Manchester donated $125,000 to the anti-gay proposition 8 referendum in California which eliminated the states marriage rights for same-sex couples.

With the popular series "Black in America," CNN shed light on the black American experience. They also have an upcoming series called "Latino in America" this October. Considering the vast amount of misinformation regarding sexual orientation, social attitudes, homophobia and rising support for gay equality, encourage CNN to tell the story of gay life in America. American LGBT is a community of unsung heroes, unimaginable hardship, expressive culture and a unique American experience that major news networks have, in many respects, failed to capture.

Contact CNN's team and request a similar documentary for the LGBT community; "Gay in America."

Asexual meet-ups and groups have been forming all over the globe, some political, others support groups, and most just a nice way to meet like minded individuals. The latest in the process of being formed is in Omaha, Nebraska. Check out AVEN and help pitch in ideas for this meetup.